School (in-person, virtual, home) may have started, but with most traditional September and October events canceled, how’s a Boca family supposed to mark off the last few (hopefully) scorching weeks of South Florida summer? Local businesses and cultural centers have been forced to get creative due to the coronavirus and they’re now offering new types events and activities to welcome the fall season this year. Luckily, there are some great options.
Here are four unique ways to enjoy September and October locally with your Boca kids!
Lantern at Home at Morikami
Morikami Lantern Festival at Home
The annual Lantern Festival at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens may have been called off due to COVID-19, but the show must go on, even if it’s at home! To celebrate this ancestral homecoming safely, the museum just unveiled Lantern-at-Home Kits ($20, available for purchase online or at the Museum Store).
And there’s a bonus! Post your family’s personalized lantern on Instagram and tag the museum, and you’ll be entered to win two passes to the Morikami Lantern Festival in 2021! Ten winners will be selected on October 19.
Photo courtesy of Animal EDventure Park
Animal EDventure Park Spooky Safari Tour
If you’re feeling a little sad about missing your family’s annual trek to the pumpkin patch, we have you covered! Book a COVID-safe Spooky Safari Tour & Drive-thru Pumpkin Patch time slot at Animal EDventure Park in Boynton Beach instead! Spooky Safari Tours will run every week through Halloween (starting September 19) on both Wednesdays and Sundays for $13 per person.
While there may be a few scares in store (don’t worry—they’re still kid-friendly!), your children will also get to meet and learn about the animals who live at the park. Please note, reservations must be booked in advance.
Spookyville Drive-Thru Fair Eats & Treats
This Halloween, get your family dressed up in costumes and head to the South Florida Fairgrounds for a safe and socially distant drive through trick or treating experience in Yesteryear Village! For the 21st consecutive year, their Living History Park will come alive with entertainment, not-so-spooky décor and costumed volunteers offering treats and big smiles to the little ones.
Children can now enjoy a slow cruise of friendly faces, familiar songs, Halloween vignettes and tons of candy, while staying in the safety of their car the entire time. Fair food and sweets will also be available for purchase. Ideal for children 12 and under, this event will run October 23–31 for $25 per car.
Show on the Go Drive-In Movie
In the mood for an outdoor movie night? Head to West Palm Beach for their “Show on the Go” drive-in movie event every Saturday in September for a night of fun with your family…or anyone you can fit in your car! Bring chairs and a cooler filled with snacks and drinks or visit the food trucks on site for a delicious dinner.
Upcoming films include Hook on 9/12 at Currie Park, Monsters Inc. on 9/19 at Dreher Park and Moana on 9/26 at Currie. General admission tickets are $10 per vehicle and $30 for VIP admission.
I highly recommend springing for VIP, as that option includes front row parking plus a family four-pack of popcorn, non-alcoholic beverages and candy delivered directly to your vehicle.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
